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New York City and Houston Dermatologist Discusses CoolSculpting® FDA Clearance to Treat More Body Areas

Posted on August 17, 2016

The non-surgical CoolSculpting® fat reduction procedure was recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat areas around the bra straps, back, and under the buttocks. Dr. Paul M. Friedman talks about the procedure’s new capabilities for patients.

New York City, NY – For decades, surgical liposuction has been one of the most popular procedures available for individuals who are trying to get rid of stubborn excess fat deposits that have proven resistant to diet and exercise. In recent years, advances in body contouring and cosmetic enhancement have made it possible for patients to achieve their goals without the need for surgery and long recovery times. Dr. Paul M. Friedman, a Houston and New York City dermatologist, says one of the more effective non-surgical options available is CoolSculpting®, and he has seen a steady stream of patients requesting the procedure at his practice. With the FDA’s recent decision to expand clearance of CoolSculpting® to treat more areas of the body, Dr. Friedman expects its popularity to increase.

CoolSculpting® has now been cleared to treat visible fat bulges in the back and bra straps, as well as under the buttocks. Up until now, Dr. Friedman says it has been most commonly utilized for excess fat deposits in the abdomen, thighs, and love handles (flanks). He notes that a new component for CoolSculpting® that recently became available – the CoolMini™ – has also helped patients looking to reduce the appearance of a “double chin.” Dr. Friedman says the additional body areas that can now be treated with CoolSculpting® are often prone to collect excess fat, even in individuals who may be in the best shape of their lives.

Dr. Friedman explains that CoolSculpting® is revolutionary in the field of cosmetic enhancement. The treatment utilizes Cryolipolysis™, a technique developed by Harvard dermatologists that cools targeted fat cells. The procedure enables the fat cells in the treatment area to ultimately break down and be filtered from the body via natural processes. Dr. Friedman notes that one of the major advantages of CoolSculpting® is that it is a non-surgical treatment – no needles or incisions required. He says this can be very beneficial for patients who are trying to achieve their goals without the downtime that is often necessary after surgery. In fact, he says, most patients are able to resume work and other normal daily activities right after the procedure.

With the FDA’s recent clearance to treat additional body areas, Dr. Friedman says CoolSculpting® can help even more individuals experiencing frustration with excess fat accumulation. He says those who are considering treatment for the reduction of excess fat should be sure to consult with a board certified dermatologist who can evaluate their concerns and determine if CoolSculpting® is the ideal procedure for their needs.

About Paul M. Friedman, MDDr. Paul M. Friedman is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is the Director of Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, TX. In addition to CoolSculpting®, his practice offers a comprehensive range of medical and cosmetic dermatology treatments, including laser procedures, BOTOX® injections, and many other options. Dr. Friedman serves as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Texas Medical School and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston Methodist Hospital. He has been honored with two Husik Prizes for his research in dermatologic surgery and has published more than 75 medical articles and book chapters. Dr. Friedman is a co-author of Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin, and served as co-editor of the textbook Laser & Light Source Treatments for the Skin. Dr. Friedman is available for interview upon request.